Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Director of Information (DINFO), Nigeria Navy, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to THISDAY Newspaper in Lagos, emphasising the critical role the Nigerian Navy (NN) has been playing in fighting piracy as well as in national security.
The captain, who also harped on the strategic role of media partnerships in advancing national maritime security and economic development, was accompanied by Lieutenant Commander Ernest Jim, Command Information Officer of the Western Naval Command, and Lieutenant SU Stephen.
Captain Folorunsho was received by the Managing Director of THISDAY, Mr. Eniola Bello, in a meeting aimed at fostering closer collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and media stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, Folorunsho said, “I assumed duty as Director of Information on 27 January 2026. The appointment itself was on November 4, 2025.
“I need your support. I need your support because with THISDAY on my side, the victory is almost already won. I bring compliments of the Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Admiralty Medal, who approved this tour.
“I have been directed to go around and meet critical stakeholders to see how we can partner to advance the course of the Nigerian Navy, which in itself will have a corresponding effect on the economy of the country. It is an economic force.
“ If we do our job well, you will see it in the amount of money spent on goods and services, in terms of national revenue, because sea trade is where most things really happen. If the maritime environment is safe, the impact is clear.”
Furthermore, the DINFO highlighted that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, adding that preparations for celebrations are already underway. “A major highlight of the celebration is an International Fleet Review.
“Navies from all over the world will participate, and the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will review the fleet. We have been to Brazil, Australia, and the Trafalgar Centenary celebrations. Now it is our turn to host the world.”
Another central feature of the anniversary is the 6th Seapower for Africa Symposium. “This is the sixth iteration. The fifth was held in South Africa, and Nigeria is hosting this year’s edition. The theme of the conference is ‘Leveraging Technology to Enhance Maritime Security in Africa.’
“Rightly so, because in recent times the Nigerian Navy has leveraged the Falcon Eye system where our trinity of maritime awareness works, how ships have miniature systems, how vessels can be interrogated and tracked, and how their activities are monitored.
“There are repeater systems in places like Calabar, Port Harcourt, Bonny, Ibaka, and others. There are also over-the-horizon radar systems. This does not mean that nefarious actors cannot still attempt illegal activities, but for the most part, production figures have stabilised, and that is due to the best efforts of the Nigerian Navy.”
On ship building he said: “We are also building response capacity through shipbuilding. We are in the fifth iteration, which started in 2007, and this year we are building two ships simultaneously. We are now pivoting towards more advanced capability-based platforms.
“Navy ships are capability-driven. We are already maintaining ships for the Republic of Benin, and other countries in the region are engaging us to procure ships.
“These are small but notable contributions that the average Nigerian may not be aware of. When we do our work well, it often goes unnoticed because we are out at sea. But people also need to know what we are doing.”
Captain Folorunsho also highlighted the Navy’s success in tackling piracy. “In 2022, with the help of the Falcon Eye system and deliberate investments by the Nigerian state, we were able to defeat piracy in Nigerian waters.
“The International Maritime Bureau subsequently delisted Nigeria from the piracy-prone list. Five years on, we have not recorded a single piracy incident in Nigerian waters, which is a testament to our vigilance and professionalism.”
He also noted that the Global Firepower Report recognised the Navy’s efforts earlier this year, ranking Nigeria as the 22nd strongest naval force globally and first in Africa.
“The ranking is based on naval strength and the number of ships. We currently have 152 vessels. While countries like South Africa, Algeria, and Egypt operate submarines, acquisitions are driven by operational needs, not prestige.”
Reflecting on naval history, Folorunsho said, “We have had three major recapitalisation programmes. One immediately after the civil war, another between 1977 and 1982. The 1982 acquisitions were largely prestige-driven, which was why we procured the flagship NNS Aradu, corvettes, and minesweepers intended for interstate conflict.
“Ships are not like cars. Some vessels built in 1945 are still operational today. As long as they are properly maintained, they remain functional. NNS Aradu is still in the fleet.”
On questions about Navy involvement in Northeast combat operations, Folorunsho said, “The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) is the best special force in Africa. It is truly a special force. What we do is clandestine, which is why we cannot talk about it in the press.
“ Sometimes, operations happen and many cases, it is the Navy. But we cannot speak about it because the work is extremely strategic. Those guys handle operations no one else can and countries around the world are beginning to recognise what we do. That is the SBS.
“Because we cannot openly talk about the SBS, we formed what we now call the Nigerian Navy Marines. They are coming up steadily. The first set is graduating next Friday. The Nigerian Navy Marines were unveiled last year. This is their standard kit and their logo, with the motto ‘Courage and Resilience.’ These are the Nigerian Navy Marines.
“Some of the personnel who followed me here today are special forces, armed with Tavor rifles, providing security for this movement. They are Nigerians. That is why some of these conversations are important. There is a lot of sea blindness. People do not really know what we are doing. The Navy is a very professional force. It is an international force.”
On the Navy’s operations in the South East, he added, “We have been to places where people ask us why certain individuals have not been neutralised, especially individuals speaking for IPOB or ESN.
“Already, we have established several naval bases and units in the region. There is a Defence Headquarters operation known as Operation Udoka, and we have given it significant support.
“We have SBS units there, and the Navy Marines are now conducting most of the land-based operations. Regular naval personnel are withdrawn, leaving SBS, other strategic units, and the Navy Marines, because professionalism is critical.”
In response, Mr. Bello assured the Navy of the media’s backing, saying, “We are always ready to support our security services. Be assured of our support at all times.”
Captain Folorunsho’s visit underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between the Nigerian Navy and national media in fostering maritime security awareness, safeguarding trade, and advancing the country’s economic interests.
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